Average White Band (AWB) is a Scottish funk and soul group formed in 1972, known for their tight grooves and horn-driven sound influenced by James Brown and Motown.
They gained international fame with their 1974 hit Pick Up the Pieces, a funky instrumental that topped the U.S. charts. Despite being a predominantly white band playing funk—hence the name—they were widely respected in R&B circles.
Their classic albums, including AWB (1974) and Cut the Cake (1975), showcased their blend of funk, jazz, and soul. Though their popularity waned by the early 1980s, AWB’s music remains influential, frequently sampled in hip-hop and still enjoyed by funk enthusiasts worldwide.
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Average White Band (AWB) has had several lineup changes over the years, but the classic lineup from their peak in the 1970s included:
Alan Gorrie – bass, vocals
Hamish Stuart – guitar, bass, vocals
Owen "Onnie" McIntyre – guitar, backing vocals
Malcolm "Molly" Duncan – tenor saxophone
Roger Ball – keyboards, alto saxophone
Robbie McIntosh – drums (passed away in 1974, replaced by Steve Ferrone)
After McIntosh's tragic death, Steve Ferrone took over as the drummer, becoming a key member of the band. Over the years, AWB continued with various members, with Gorrie and McIntyre remaining the longest-standing members.